PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND ANTI-ARTHRITIC EFFECTS OF BOSWELLIA SERRATA: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Boswellia serrata, a resinous plant of the Burseraceae family, is traditionally used in both Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems of medicine to man-age inflammatory joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its key active constituents, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β -boswellic acid (AKBA) and β - boswellic acid, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties through inhibition of the 5- lipoxygenase pathway and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In Homoeopathy, Boswellia serrata has been used in various potencies and mother tincture form to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal inflammation.

Objectives: This scoping review aimed to (i) map existing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence on the anti-arthritic effects of Boswellia serrata; (ii) examine its key phytoconstituents and pharmacological mechanisms; (iii) evaluate formulation strategies to enhance bioavailability; (iv) summarize therapeutic outcomes and safety; and

(v) identify research gaps requiring further study.

Methods: The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A structured search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar up to January 2026 using the keywords “Boswellia serrata” AND (arthritis OR anti-inflammatory OR “boswellic acids”). A total of 206 records were retrieved—113 from PubMed and 93 from Google Scholar. After deduplication and applying eligibility criteria, 38 studies were included: 13 clinical trials, 10 animal studies, 11 in vitro studies and 4 formulation-based studies. As per the scoping review methodology, a formal risk-of-bias assessment was not undertaken. The focus of this review was to broadly map available evidence on the anti-arthritic potential of Boswellia serrata, in line with established frameworks such as Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results: AKBA and β -boswellic acid were reported in over 70 % of studies. Among clinical trials, 75% demonstrated significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and function. Over 85% of preclinical studies showed anti-inflammatory or cartilage-protective effects. Formulations such as phytosomes, micelles, and piperine-based enhancers were used to improve bioavailability.

Conclusion: Boswellia serrata demonstrates promising anti-arthritic potential, with consistent preclinical support and encouraging clinical outcomes. However, methodological variability and the absence of formal quality assessment limit definitive conclusions. Further high-quality trials are needed to establish its long-term efficacy and safety, including within the Homoeopathic framework.